A boat safari is one of the most serene yet exciting ways to experience the wildlife and landscapes of East Africa. Gliding through tranquil waters, you’ll be able to observe animals and birds from a unique perspective—offering an intimate connection with nature. Imagine watching elephants leisurely bathing, crocodiles lounging on riverbanks, and hippos basking in the sun—all from the comfort of a boat. These experiences are an absolute must for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

Top Locations for Boat Safaris

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)-Tanzania

As you sail along the Rufiji River, expect to witness a stunning range of wildlife—from large pods of hippos and crocodiles to elephants and buffaloes that come to the riverbanks to drink. The park's wild, untouched nature provides a peaceful and raw safari experience.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: Nyerere is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, and the boat safaris here offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography in a serene setting.

Recommended Tours

• 5-Day Nyerere & Selous Boat safari
• 6-Day Nyerere Wildlife & Boat Safari

Lake Manyara National Park-Tanzania

Glide across the waters of Lake Manyara and watch the vast array of birds that inhabit this area, including Flamingos, Pelican, and Herons. You’ll also have the chance to see hippos wallowing in the shallows and elephants near the shoreline.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: The Lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, offering a peaceful boat ride that is perfect for birdwatchers and photographers.

Recommended Tours

• 4-Day Lake Manyara & Tarangire Boat Safari

Ruaha National Park

The Great Ruaha River is home to abundant wildlife, and a boat safari offers excellent opportunities to view crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species such as the African Fish Eagle. The river’s meandering paths provide a truly serene environment for nature lovers.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: Ruaha’s remote location ensures that your boat safari will be more exclusive, with fewer tourists, making it ideal for a peaceful adventure.

Recommended Tours:

• 7-Day Ruaha & Nyerere Safari with Boat Safari
• 5-Day Ruaha River & Game Safari

Lake Victoria

As Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria offers beautiful boat safari experiences. You’ll encounter bird species such as the Great Cormorant, as well as other aquatic life such as fish and water snakes. The peaceful boat rides allow you to appreciate the vastness of the lake and its picturesque surroundings.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: Lake Victoria offers an intimate connection with East Africa’s rich ecosystems, with fewer crowds and unique wildlife opportunities.

Recommended Tours:

• 6-Day Lake Victoria Boat Safari
• 4-Day Lake Victoria & Serengeti Safari

Lake Tanganyika

As one of the deepest and longest lakes in the world, Lake Tanganyika offers boat safaris that provide an exceptional opportunity to observe a range of animals, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. The scenery is truly magnificent, with mountainous backdrops and dense forests.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: This serene lake offers quiet, scenic boat rides, far from the usual tourist routes, making it perfect for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Recommended Tours:

• 6-Day Lake Tanganyika & Mahale Safari
• 5-Day Lake Tanganyika Exploration Safari

Rubondo Island National Park

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island offers an unspoiled sanctuary for both wildlife and birdlife. Boat safaris on this island let you enjoy sightings of chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic bird species.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go:This hidden gem is less visited than other parks, ensuring an intimate boat safari experience. Its dense forests and secluded beaches provide a unique wilderness experience.

Recommended Tours:

• 5-Day Rubondo Island & Lake Victoria Boat Safari
• 7-Day Lake Victoria & Rubondo Island Adventure

Mahale Mountains National Park

Explore the waters of Lake Tanganyika while cruising past dense forests that house chimpanzees and observe the lake’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. The backdrop of the Mahale Mountains makes this a truly picturesque safari experience.

Best Time:June to October

Why Go:Mahale offers both land and boat safari experiences, providing you with an ideal combination of wildlife observation and serene cruising.

Recommended Tours:

• 8-Day Mahale & Tanganyika Boat Safari
• 5-Day Mahale & Serengeti Safari with Boat Safari

Burigi Chato National Park

On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Burigi Chato offers a boat safari through pristine landscapes. The area is rich in both birdlife and aquatic mammals, making it an excellent option for those interested in both.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go:For a more secluded safari, Burigi Chato offers a quieter, less commercialized experience with excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

Recommended Tours:

• 5-Day Burigi Chato & Nyerere Safari
• 6-Day Burigi Chato Boat Safari & Adventure

Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Famous for its large population of hippos, Lake Naivasha also provides opportunities for birdwatching, with species like Kingfishers and Flamingos often spotted.

Best Time: June to October

Why Go: Lake Naivasha’s peaceful waters and scenic beauty make it perfect for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed boat safari experience.

Recommended Tours:

• 4-Day Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru Safari
• 5-Day Lake Naivasha Birdwatching & Boat Safari

Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda)

• Explore the mighty Nile River with boat safaris that provide dramatic views of Murchison Falls and sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. The river is also home to a variety of bird species, including the African Fish Eagle.

• Best Time : June to October

• Why Go : For a mix of awe-inspiring landscapes and incredible wildlife viewing, Murchison Falls provides a boat safari experience that’s unmatched in beauty.

• Recommended Tours :

• 5-Day Murchison Falls Safari with Boat Ride

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

• Explore the Kazinga Channel, where boat safaris offer the chance to view large hippo pods, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species like pelicans, flamingos, and African fish eagles.

• Best Time : June to September

• Why Go : Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a peaceful yet thrilling boat safari, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

• Recommended Tours :

• 6-Day Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Safari

Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda)

• Take a serene boat safari on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. The park offers a unique blend of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

• Best Time : June to September

• Why Go : A more relaxed and less crowded boat safari experience, ideal for nature lovers.

• Recommended Tour :

• 4-Day Lake Mburo & Bwindi Safari

Why Choose Boat Safaris?

• Boat safaris offer a completely different perspective on wildlife, allowing you to get closer to the animals that live by or in the water—hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.
• Many of the boat safari locations in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda are less visited, giving you a more intimate and serene safari experience.
• Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual traveler, boat safaris provide unmatched opportunities to capture stunning wildlife moments, especially those involving animals interacting with the water.
• Unlike game drives, boat safaris allow for a calm and peaceful connection with nature, with the only sounds being the water and wildlife.

Boat safaris offer an unmatched experience of East Africa’s wildlife, giving you the opportunity to witness creatures in their natural habitat from a tranquil perspective. Whether in Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda, each boat safari offers its own unique charm and benefits. Don’t miss the chance to experience the wild from a different vantage point—this is one adventure you’ll remember forever.